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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and quick dinner featuring succulent shrimp tossed in a bold, spicy Cajun seasoning and served with fettuccine or linguine in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish combines a smooth, indulgent sauce with tender seafood, customizable spice levels, and optional vibrant veggies for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, herbs blend)

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Season the Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated to develop that signature flavor.
  3. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and keep warm.
  4. Cook Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then sauté minced garlic, chopped onions, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
  6. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything gently to coat with the creamy Cajun sauce. Allow to heat through for a minute or two, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the juiciest, most tender results.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; shrimp cooks quickly.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and enhance creaminess.
  • Opt for high-quality Cajun seasoning for vibrant taste.
  • If sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of milk or broth without losing richness.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, spicy shrimp recipe, quick seafood dinner, Cajun seasoning, fettuccine shrimp, easy weeknight dinner